Going Greek - A FAQ for Parents

What is a fraternity? In essence, a fraternity is a family in which men grow and develop into inviduals with a common set of values that bond them together. Fraternity members participate in intramural sporting events, community service events, and social events each semester.

What can "Going Greek" offer my student? Going Greek affords inviduals with many opportunities. These include unprecedented personal development, leadership skills, opportunities to participate in intramural events, networking capabilities, and much more. However, the number one thing going Greek offers its members is friendships that last well beyond your student's college years.

Does joining a fraternity mean "buying friends?" Not at all. While each fraternity does require its own dues, these expenses go towards maintaining a house, social functions, brotherhood events, new member education, and initiation fees. Friendship cannot be bought, rather, it's something to be earned.

Do UofL fraternities haze their new members? Although it's often seen in many recent movies, hazing is something both IFC and UofL's Dean of Students take very seriously and have outlawed on all levels. If at any time a new member of a fraternity feels as if they're being hazed, they are encouraged to contact the IFC President so further action may be taken.

What are some positive things UofL Fraternities have done? Each year, UofL Fraternities host their annual philanthropy events in which they raise money for local, non-profit organizations. They also participate in sorority philanthropy days, raising money and awareness for their causes as well. UofL Fraternities earn more community service hours than any other organization on campus and participate in UofL's largest events, such as Relay for Life. Our fraternities are recognized as having a positive impact on the Louisville community through their philanthropic efforts.

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact the IFC President. Please see the sections below for more information.

Academics

The primary purpose of any student is to do well academically in school.  The Interfraternity Council and Greek system at UofL facilitate this purpose in three ways.  First, each new member must have attained a 2.5 cumulative GPA upon joining an IFC-recognized fraternity.  Secondly, each of the fraternities has various programs to stimulate academic growth, whether it be in the form of scholarships for new and/or continuing members, or by personal interaction between those of different skill levels.  Finally, those who have attained academic excellence are often recognized in the Greek system through the Greek Life awards, and by most fraternal organizations.  As a result of our efforts, the overall GPA for all fraternity men is higher than the UofL All Men’s average GPA.

Athletics

Athletics are important because they encourage physical ability as well as competition and cooperation.  All fraternities participate in most of the intramural sports at the University of Louisville, as well as a variety of other recreational sports elsewhere, and members are encouraged to participate. Fraternities also compete against one another in these events and each fraternity is awarded points based on their performance.  At the end of the year all points are tallied and fraternities are ranked...for bragging rights.

Leadership

Part of being Greek is learning about college, life, and one’s own self. An essential element of this journey includes learning the skills necessary to motivate others in changing settings.

Each fraternity on campus has an officer structure which facilitates this development. Fraternities also participate in their national organizations' leadership conferences and conventions, as well as UofL sponsered events such as the Cardinal Leadership Conference. Many of these participants are sent free of charge or at a reduced rate and go on to use the skills developed at each conference long after they have graduated college. 

Greeks are also heavily involved in other recognized student organizations (RSOs), including Student Government Association (SGA), Student Orientation Staff (SOSers), Arts & Sciences Peer Advisers, various honors societies, and UofL Athletics, just to name a few.

Social / Service
Social participation provides a break from the busy and challenging college curriculum.  Each semester, fraternities host or participate in a variety of activities including socials with sororities, football tailgates, road trips, formals, dinners, parties,  paintball, cook outs and just hanging out with each other, together. 

UofL fraternities also plan and participate in  numerous community service projects - both on campus and in the community - with organizations such as Kosair Charities, The Make-a-Wish Foundation, and the Habitat for Humanity, just to name a few.